Identity theft: your recovery toolkit.

If the problem on your report is not just an error but identity theft, you have stronger tools and a clear recovery path. Fraudulent accounts can be blocked and removed, and the law is on your side.

Start at IdentityTheft.gov

The Federal Trade Commission runs IdentityTheft.gov, a free service that walks you through reporting the theft and builds a personalized recovery plan. Filing there creates your official FTC Identity Theft Report, which you will use to block the fraudulent accounts.

Place a fraud alert

Contact one of the three bureaus to place a free fraud alert; it tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit, and the bureau you contact must tell the other two.

Consider a credit freeze

A credit freeze is stronger than an alert—it blocks new creditors from accessing your report entirely, so new accounts cannot be opened in your name. It is free to place and lift, and you can do it at each of the three bureaus.

Block the fraudulent accounts

With your FTC Identity Theft Report, you can require the bureaus to block information that resulted from identity theft under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-2. Furnishers must also stop reporting accounts they know stem from identity theft.

Send your supporting documents

Include your Identity Theft Report, a government ID, proof of address, and a clear statement of which accounts are not yours. Keep copies and send by trackable mail. Your consultant can help you assemble and send the identity-theft dispute package.